BLOG WITH US!

Opponents Attack Inclusion of "Public Trust " Language

The state's first water plan is back at the General Assembly- in its original draft form- with "public trust" language intact. A hearing date is yet to be set, but water utilities and business interests are already lobbying legislators to remove the simple re-statement of our 1971 Environmental Protection Act that the plan contains:

Section 22a-15: It is hereby found and declared that there is a public trust in the air, water, and other natural resources of the state of Connecticut and that each person is entitled to the protection, preservation and enhancement of the same.

It's crucial that the de-regulatory forces rolling through Washington, D.C. don't weaken CT's environmental protections. If actions affecting CT's water resources threaten their quality, quantity, or long term preservation, the state and its citizens have an over-riding interest and indeed a responsibility, to act. Removing public trust language removes this vital oversight.

In just the past few years, we've seen an effort to sell one of CT's largest water companies to a California corporation. We've seen Tilcon International try to sidestep watershed protection statutes to strip mine next to a New Britain reservoir. We've seen Niagara Bottling exploit a loophole in CT's water diversion statutes to move millions of gallons of water across watersheds without a permit, even in a drought.

Water is a public trust resource, not a corporate asset. It's time to pass our state's first water plan as is! Save Our Water CT will be monitoring the legislative process and posting updates as the session progresses.

As Immediate Public Opposition Mounts, MDC Rescinds Ordinance Changes

In response to rapid and growing public protest, the findings of the Independent MDC Consumer Advocate, and questions as to whether the structure of the proposed discounts violated the MDC's charter, the MDC board issued a press release on 11-16-2018 notifying the public of their intent to withdraw proposed ordinance changes prior to their scheduled November 19th Public Hearing.

Protestors still gathered outside the MC headquarters at 555 Main Street, Hartford prior to the hearing, chanting and displaying "No More Groundhog Days" posters- a reference to how the discounts "popped back up " just as Niagara Bottling applied for permits to expand the number of its bottling lines. The hearing room was packed to overflowing due to multiple citizen concerns: the discounts, the marked increase in water and ad valorem rates, concern for the availability of water to low-income residents, the need to continue the mandated cleanup of the 800 million gallons of MDC sewage which spill into the CT River each year during large rainstorm events, and more.

Of concern-and noted in the press release- are plans for the MDC to seek charter changes at the upcoming legislative session which would allow it to develop what is being labelled an "Economic Development Rate" similar to that in place at South Central Regional Water Authority. Though the SCRWA economic rate is time-limited, it is once again keyed to large water users. The entire question of whether the MDC should be involved in "economic development" remains very controversial- and is never mentioned in its charter. Stay tuned.

PROPOSED WATER AND CLEAN WATER PROJECT CHARGE RATE CUTS FOR MASSIVE WATER USE ARE HERE AGAIN

IN 2015 the MDC GAVE NIAGARA BOTTLING A BACKROOM SWEETHEART DEAL. IN 2016 AFTER A PUBLIC OUTCRY, THEY RESCINDED THE DISCOUNTS…. NOW THEY COULD BE COMING BACK….

MDC’S PROPOSAL FOR A SPECIAL ‘ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT RATE’? Those using over 600,000 gallons/day through a single meter will get a 20% discount on the excess. Their Clean Water Project charge also will be discounted- potentially by 80 or 90%. The Clean Water Project Charges, which exceed the actual water rate, are billed to all MDC residential customers who use MDC sewer services. They fund the EPA mandated Clean Water Project, slated to clean up wastewater overflow from the MDC's system. For everyone except the massive water users, the charge is based on the amount of water used. But for the super-users, they would get huge discounts by having only their actual wastewater measured. Residents who water their lawns, farmers who irrigate their crops, golf courses- all whose water goes back into the ground rather than the sewers, get no such break. BUT, bottling companies who export water out of the watershed in bottles and trucks, would be HUGE winners.

Of note, the rate cut is designed to exclude the purchase of treated water by other municipalities. So, large water sales to other CT Municipalities in need of drinking water, even if they exceed 600,000 gallons/day, would not be eligible. The most likely beneficiaries: large bottling companies. Who else uses such quantities of water through a single meter and transports water away from sewers.

Meanwhile:

Resident ratepayers will pay more for their water than corporate super-users

Residents will continue to pay the full Clean Water Project Charge to fund the cleanup of overflow from MDC sewers that pollutes our streams, rivers, and Long Island Sound

Residents will be advised to conserve water while the MDC promotes massive water sales to big business

When the next drought occurs, residents will be asked to conserve while water bottling is allowed to continue until reservoir levels are dangerously low

Attorney David Silverstone, the independent MDC Consumer Advocate, has published an initial analysis (see the previous blog post) which questions why no cost analysis has been done and notes that the special treatment for the Clean Water Project Charge will likely be unfavorable to all other customers.

Members of Save Our Water CT are opposed to large volume discounts, which are in direct opposition to the conservation ethic promoted by the State Water Plan and most water utilities. They also object to the discounted CWPCs. MDC consumers have paid for years, in their water charges and property taxes, for their water infrastructure. To exempt one large corporation such as Niagara Bottling of California, from paying its fair share points to an unnecessary corporate giveaway. As the only state in the country to have Class A drinking water which has never mingled with waster water, why is there ANY need to discount this public resource?

Sand Jose Water submits regulatory application to acquire CT Water Company

CT's WATER FOR SALE: San Jose Water (SJW) of California is currently seeking regulatory approval to acquire CT Water Co., one of CT's largest private water utilities. Last year, Aquarion Water Co. was bought by Eversource. Who will have the right to store and distribute (i.e. control) large volumes of CT's water? Many, many questions are being raised. Is this in the public's best interest? What will be done with any lands SJW wishes to sell off? Will it support the proposed State Water Plan? Does it regard water as a public trust resource? Are there potential conflicts of interest, given SJW is an out-of-state for-profit company which also has interests in real estate development? Will it be a good steward of our water sources and water infrastructure? Hopefully CT is not to become the land of "water opportunity" with a reasonably plentiful supply and "a favorable regulatory climate".

Save Our Water CT has submitted the following comments and questions to the Public Utility Regulatory Agency for its consideration in this deliberation:

September 2, 2018Re: Docket 18-07-10 [Application of SJW Group and Connecticut Water Service, Inc. for Approval of Change of Control].

We are writing on behalf of Save Our Water CT to share our concerns regarding the acquisition of Connecticut Water Service, Inc. by SJW Group.

Save Our Water CT is a citizen-activist group that formed in early 2016 in response to Niagara Bottling’s negotiations with the Metropolitan District Commission (MDC) and the Town of Bloomfield to bring a large water bottling plant to Bloomfield. In 2012 the MDC proposed an 18 mile out-of-basin transfer of water to UConn. During the last two and a half years we have witnessed a serious, prolonged state drought; a reluctance and outright refusal by water utilities to publicly release non-security-sensitive water supply plan details; industrial rate discounting of water that rewards increased usage as opposed to conservation; and the opposition of the business and water utility lobby to the already-established statute referencing water as a public trust resource (CT G.S. 22a-15). Consequently, we have been following news of the proposed “change of control” of Connecticut Water Service with interest. Quoting briefly from page 3 of the joint application:

“The Authority has also found that it has a statutory responsibility, inherent under Title 16 of the General Statutes, to ensure that the change of control is in the public interest…… The change of control is in the public interest as it is expected to provide benefits to customers by providing opportunities to increase the reliability and adequacy of water service, to increase access to capital, and to improve customer service. Moreover, in the long run the Transaction will provide opportunities to reduce costs through economies of scale and operating efficiencies which will benefit customers by exerting downward pressure on rates.”

Our expectation and hope is that PURA will take a sufficiently broad view of what constitutes “the public interest” in considering this application. We think that Connecticut state agencies have an obligation to consider long-term impacts on all Connecticut citizens and on the environment in proposed “changes in control” of public trust resources – not just the proposed new company’s customers.

Apart from the question of whether the proposed acquisition would actually deliver to customers those purported benefits it is “expected” to provide, the acquisition would impact more than the company’s customers. For example:

What about the potential sale of undeveloped land that SJW deems unessential? The list of commitments on page 9 of the application does not include any representations regarding potential disposition of land holdings. Class III watershed lands act as important forested buffers, provide open space for CT communities, and serve as prime ecological resources. Will SJW, for example, commit to first offering any “unwanted” land to conservation interests? Are SJW stockholders also involved in real estate development, which could lead to conflicts of interest in determining the disposition of land?

What would be the impact of future offers for the company? It’s increasingly apparent that water is a “growth” industry. What guarantees do we have that any representations made in this application would be honored if future company circumstances change? Or if a larger or even a foreign entity- acquires SJW at some future point?

Current state regulations provide no oversight to large water transfers that happen within already registered diversions as long as the water utility maintains a margin of safety. Nor do they provide oversight to the transfer of water OUTSIDE an exclusive service area by truck (or non-piped means). Is it in CT’s interest to allow transfer of Class A waters out of state?

Why would the consolidation of utilities be considered a priori to be a good thing and in the public interest? The argument made here is consolidation offers economies of scale, resulting in decreased costs and increased operational efficiencies. Apart from the fact that promised expected gains are often not delivered, such consolidation often brings fewer resiliencies, especially in the events of natural disasters (becoming more prevalent with climate change). When things break down, they break down on a large scale, with a corresponding ripple effect. A good example is Eversource’s performance in the aftermath of Storm Alfred, the 2011 Halloween nor’easter. The smaller utilities in Connecticut restored power much more quickly. Local control delivered much better results.

Does SJW view water as a public trust resource? What is their understanding of CT’s Gen. Statute 22a-15? Have they reviewed the draft of CT’s first State Water Plan and will they support or oppose it?

Is there any law or regulation that limits the ability of any private (or public) company or person from buying every water utility in Connecticut? Does the (advisory) State Water Plan even address this issue? SJW’s and CTWS’s joint press release from March 15, 2018 stated: “The combined company will have a strong multi-state presence with high-quality and well-run operations, with constructive regulatory relationships in California, Connecticut, Maine, and Texas.” [emphasis added] What’s meant by “constructive” here? Lack of adequate protections and regulation? Given Mr. Thornburg’s background, he and the rest of the leadership team are well situated to navigate the regulatory landscape and exploit existing loopholes. This concerns us, given our recent experience.

We hope that PURA will take time to thoroughly and thoughtfully review this application. Connecticut water is a public trust resource and citizens are relying on you to safeguard that resource.

New Britain Withdraws Proposal as WPC and CEQ Submit Critical Reports

The Tilcon proposal to expand into Class I and Class II watershed lands in exchange for money, the promise of a new reservoir 40 years from now, and less valuable acreage appears to be dead. At least for now..

On Aug. 22, 2018, Mayor Erin Stewart submitted a letter to the Water Planning Council (W.P.C.) withdrawing the city's proposal in light of significant public opposition and the need for further review "before any such project could move forward". On Aug. 24th the W.P.C. in turn forwarded to the CT. General Assembly its review of the environmental study. It found serious flaws in the argument that this proposal would be beneficial to New Britain's water supply....and in addition found that the risks posed to the environment by the project were significant. (See the WPC letter below).

This is the second time in which Tilcon and the City of New Britain have attempted to skirt the process of obtaining a permit from the D.P.H. to impact Class I and II watersheds. Knowing that such an application was unlikely to be approved, they instead turned to the legislature to bypass environmental regulations- and nearly succeeded in doing so. The Mayor's letter leaves open an implicit suggestion that a resurrection of the deal is a possibility, and the citizens of CT will need to remain vigilant .

It was largely with the activism of Atty Paul Zagorsky and other members of Protect Our Watersheds CT that this round was won.

Despite- or due to-legislative inaction, Governor Malloy today (June 14th) issued an Executive Order for state agencies to begin implementing the State Water Plan as originally drafted. The order also directed the Water Planning Council to re-submit the plan- in its original draft form- to the legislature by Dec 1st.

His order left intact the "water is a public trust" language that was so opposed by a coalition of water utilities, golf associations, and the CT Business and Industry Association.

As the water plan is largely a platform for informed decision-making, much of its work can proceed while awaiting a second round at the legislature. The Water Planning Council will meet on June 15th with "Implementation" leading its agenda.

Environmental Consequences Found to be Adverse; Need for Additional Reservoir Found to be Unsubstantiated

Both CT's Council on Environmental Quality and the CT Water Planning Council recently released their reviews of the City of New Britain’s Report entitledEnvironmental Study: Change in Use of New Britain Water Company Land (Proposed Quarry Expansion and Future Water Storage Reservoir). Both the CEQ and the WPC concluded that the environmental damage caused by the expanded strip mining operation in Class I and Class I watershed lands would be significant. In addition, both expert bodies found quite questionable the study assumptions and conclusion that an additional reservoir was necessary for New Britain's future water needs.

Given the alarming precedent that this proposal would set-allowing Class I and II protected watershed land to be sold for the benefit of a private for-profit corporation- it is hopeful that these expert analyses of its impact will put a halt to this ill-advised plan.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY FROM THE WATER PLANNING COUNCIL: MAY 29, 2018

The “Water Planning Council’s” Review Pursuant to Public Act 16-61 of the City of New Britain’s Report entitled Environmental Study: Change in Use of New Britain Water Company Land (Proposed Quarry Expansion and Future Water Storage Reservoir):

"Public Act 16-61, An Act Concerning An Environmental Study On A Change In Use Of New Britain Water Company Land, required the City Of New Britain to commission an environmental report to be submitted to the Water Planning Council (WPC), the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), and the City of New Britain’s Conservation Commission. The purpose of the report was to examine the potential impact of changing the use of some of its city water department-owned Class I and Class II land to allow the lease of land for the extraction of stone and other minerals on such property.

This extraction operation, which would be done over a period of 35-40 years, could potentially create a new public water supply reservoir of 2.31 billion gallons capacity for the New Britain Water Department. The reservoir would be filled with water from a flood-skimming operation at Coppermine Brook in Bristol, taking an estimated 6-28 months to fill the reservoir from this source. The new water supply reservoir is described in the Executive Summary as being 109 acres in surface area (though other figures are given elsewhere in the Report) and up to 130’ deep.

PA 16-61 charges the WPC and the CEQ with reviewing the report to determine:

the potential impact on the environment and the purity and adequacy of the existing and future public water supply; and

to provide guidance to the New Britain Water Department concerning the suitability of the best management practices identified for the protection of the environment, public water supply and public health.

Much of the area that would be impacted in the proposed expanded area of quarrying is located in the active public drinking water supply watershed of the Shuttle Meadow Reservoir. That area also includes rare habitat and, according to the city’s report, the area is also home to a plant species previously thought to no longer to be present in the state.

As will be discussed further, the WPC finds that preparation for quarrying, including clear-cutting the forest and removing the stumps, soil and other natural material, followed by quarry operations, would eliminate much of the wild habitat of the site while creating the potential for decades of increased risk to the city’s nearby Shuttle Meadow Reservoir.

The WPC finds that the city’s report does not substantiate the need for the proposed new reservoir or, in fact, that the proposed reservoir would even be a viable public water storage facility. Based on its review, the WPC finds that the proposal’s risks to the current public water system and the environment are significant and the city’s report does not make a plausible case for undertaking such an activity."

It was a disappointing end to the 2018 General Session, with the failure of the first State Water Plan to be adopted. But the overwhelming public support for the inclusion of "water as a public trust resource" in the plan - and the vehement opposition by industry groups- brought the importance of our environmental protection laws to the forefront. Our 1971 CT General Statute 22a-15 declares as state policy that our air, water, and natural resources are held in the public trust. The plan is intact, still contains its important public trust language, and will return to the General Assembly next year, hopefully to more receptive legislators.

Save Our Water CT is taking a necessary break to re-assess, re-group, and re-strategize for the coming year. As we write, decisions are being made over allowing Tilcon Connecticut to strip mine Class I and II watershed lands, to allow California corporations to buy out CT water utilities, and to potentially re-instate water rate discounts for industrial water bottlers like Niagara Bottling of California.

We hope all those who care deeply for this precious resource make it an issue in the upcoming 2018 elections!

The 2018 legislative session ended at midnight on May 9th with no vote taken on the State Water Plan. After a public hearing on April 17th by the 4 committees of cognizance at at the General Assembly (Environment, Public Health, Planning & Development, and Energy & Technology) further advancement was blocked by a combination of special interest groups. Although a coalition of environmental advocates reached compromise language with the CT Water Works Association (CWWA) and the MDC, the CT Business and Industry Association (CBIA), and Sen. Len Fasano remained firmly opposed. The mere mention that "water as a public trust" was a frequently made public comment during the draft review, along with the citation of CGS 22a-15 in the draft document, was the reported cause. After years of work, the input of countless experts, and over a million dollars of state funds, our first state water plan will sadly need to await next year's legislative session.

With an ongoing bidding war by California corporations for a major CT private water utility, a pending decision on a proposal to grant Tilcon CT access to Class I watershed land for strip mining, and the possible re-introduction of large volume water discounts to Niagara Bottling of CA by the MDC, it's ever more important to make water policy an issue in this fall's elections.

Our first State Water Plan: developed after years of work, with input by multiple expert stakeholders and with unanimous approval by 4 state agencies (DEEP, DPH, OPM, PURA). It now awaits approval at the General Assembly. A fierce last minute lobbying campaign by the water utilities and business interests (among them MDC, CWWA, and CBIA) is attempting to strip out public input and delete recognition of water as a public trust resource. Will big $$ and scare tactics win again at the legislature? Or will our elected representatives respect citizen's concerns for our vital water resources? See the advocates' statement below.